PETALING JAYA: The General Operations Force (GOF) has arrested 20 men and seized RM2.85 million in equipment and machinery yesterday after uncovering illegal gold mining activities during three separate raids in Marang, Terengganu.
In a statement, the southeast brigade GOF said 11 men aged between 32 and 56 years were arrested in the first raid, with authorities seizing equipment and machinery worth approximately RM450,000.
Eight men, aged 17 to 46, were arrested in the second raid, with equipment and machinery worth RM510,000 seized.
A 57-year-old man was arrested and equipment worth RM1.89 million was seized in the third raid.
All the suspects and seized items were handed over to the Terengganu land and mines office for further action.
The case is currently being investigated under the Terengganu State Mineral Enactment Act 2002 for illegal mining.